Autumn Reset

I've seen quite a lot of posts recently about Autumn Resets. How we should be doing this and how we should be doing that. Getting this app, reading that book, waking up at 5am, meditating, journalling, working out! The list goes on! I've certainly been guilty of this in the past, well not the 5am part but adding unnecessary pressure to daily life. These days I like to keep things much more simple.

Autumn Resets have been part of my calendar for years. Every year the month of September feels like a new beginning for me, a chance to take stock. It's the most appropriate time to reset routines. To focus on a few small things I'd like to achieve every day or every week. The spontaneous, sometimes chaotic, nature of the summer holidays are well and truly over and it always leaves me craving the return of structure. Have you been feeling the same? If you have, there are some simple things you can implement to positively impact your day. These can help claw back some calm and organisation, if that's what you need.

In many respects I actually prefer the start of Autumn to the beginning of the year to refocus the mind. It's a time to briefly review everything I've wanted to achieve this year and see where I am with each one. However we are all different. You might prefer to do this at another time of the year. I thought I'd just share what works for me (most of the time).

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So what could an Autumn Reset look like?

In addition to reviewing my year so far, I look at reinstating/realigning small habits which may have slipped over the summer or new potential habits that I'm eager to try. They are all positive, enriching and sustainable in day to day life. They could be a boundary, an activity, a habit or a mindset that I am committed to doing every day or every week. All of which help me to feel more in control of my life and lower my stress levels. I don't want these to feel like a chore so I only implement things that I can realistically weave into my day. They don't need to be big or fancy. I'm not talking about huge shifts in behaviour. I always find it's best to choose pretty regular things to do and they are more likely to become a habit. But they must be realistic, specific and achievable. I know, for example, that I'm not going to work out at 5am so this will never be on my list!

Have you lost a grip on your routine or want to set a new one? Are you longing for some structure? To feel like you are more in control. Perhaps you want a more organised morning or evening routine or you would like to improve the meals you eat. It could be that you want to become better at caring for yourself or you want to aim for a certain amount of hours sleep each night. Limiting screen time might be your need or spending time alone. You might wish to focus on work and decide that there is something you'd like to change. It could simply be making your bed every day!

Whatever they are, they should be unique to you in order to really work. Write them down so you can refer to them often. Give it a go but don't be hard on yourself if something doesn't stick. Perhaps it wasn't right for you in the first place. If it feels like a chore or is negatively impacting your life swap it for something more enriching. Our lives shift and change from time to time and we may need to adapt to ensure our routines and habits still serve us well.

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Do you think you would benefit from doing this exercise yourself?

If you can't think of anything, chances are you don't need a reset. But if you're looking to make some healthy changes here are a few examples to consider:

• Decluttering a specific area at home (the bedroom can have a huge impact on our sleep)

• Immune and mood boosting support: foods and supplements (check with your doctor)

• Connecting regularly with friends/family

• Adjusting your sleep routine

• Watching a new box set rather than endlessly scrolling on your phone

• Self care rituals in the evening or on the weekend/day off

• Time to read in bed

• Deep cleaning the house room by room

• Budget check-in: review outgoings i.e. subscriptions, savings etc

• Planning more slow evenings or weekends

• Walking in nature

• Booking onto a new fitness class

• Digital detox after 9pm/digital declutter of desktop, inbox, unsubscribe to mails etc.

• Setting particular days for specific chores

• Adjust morning/evening routines for the darker days ahead

• Stretching before bed to ease aches and pains

• Increase your water intake

• Allocate some time on a Sunday to plan for the week ahead (or on a more appropriate day)

• Drinking your morning tea/coffee outside

• Reorganise wardrobes so warmer clothes, coats and shoes are easy to locate

• Setting boundaries to reduce negativity

• Committing to talk more positively to yourself and about yourself

• Listen to some new music/podcasts/read a different genre of books

• Meal planning for the week ahead

I really do believe that by establishing 'easy to do' daily or weekly habits it is possible to see and feel daily life improve. To feel much more grateful every day. Structure can help to feel in control and happy.

As a side not, Autumn is also the perfect time to let things go that no longer serve us. This can be as effective as adding things into our day and is super empowering.

"The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go."

Let me know if you're planning on your own autumn reset.

Thanks for reading.

N x